David Ortiz: Trump’s comments about Latinos are a 'slap in the face’
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz ripped comments made by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump about Latinos, saying that the remarks are "a slap in the face."
Trump has spent the last year commenting on Latinos, including opening his presidential run in June 2015 by saying Mexican immigrants "are not sending their best. They're sending people that have lots of problems...they're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."
Ortiz is from the Dominican Republic and says that that Latino people deserve respect, no matter where they come from.
"When you speak like that about us, it’s a slap in the face,” Ortiz said to USA Today. “I walk around sometimes, and I see Mexican people trying to earn a living in an honest way. And to hear somebody make those kinds of comments, it hits you. I think as Latin people we deserve better. Things have gotten much better in that regard. …And especially our Mexican brothers, who come here willing to do all the dirty work."
Ortiz also said that Latino people in the United States are the "spark plug of the country's economy."
"And not just Latin people but immigrants. I’m talking about people who come from Africa, from Asia, other places," Ortiz said. "All those people come here with one goal, to realize the American dream, and you have to include them in our group.”
Ortiz is in his final season of a 20-year career and is leading the Red Sox to another possible postseason run.
Ortiz, 40, is hitting .318 with 31 home runs and 107 RBIs, and he leads the majors in slugging and OPS. Boston is one game behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.
- Scooby Axson
